But the competition has an even stronger opinion of Bellaire. More than a few league coaches consider the Cardinals a team no one wants to face, capable of pulling an upset or two and sneaking into the Class 5A playoffs.

“I could see that happening,” Walker said. “Of course, that’s the goal, to get to the playoffs.”

However, Walker thinks Bellaire has a long way to go, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. The Cardinals return only a handful of starters off last year’s 4-6 team, but they are gifted at the skill positions.

“We have three guys who are as good as anybody in our district,” said Walker, alluding to sophomore running back Eric Deveaux, junior wide receiver Derwyn Lauderdale and junior quarterback Eric Nelson.

Deveaux (5-foot-11, 175 pounds) might be the district’s top newcomer. He should give Bellaire’s running game a lift.

“Eric is something else,” Walker said. “When he walks into a room, people stop and look. He has an aura about him.

“He’s going to be incredible.”

Lauderdale (5-10, 160) is a playmaker with speed to burn.

“Derwyn played running back as a ninth-grader, but we moved him to receiver,” Walker said. “He has exceptional hands.”

But Nelson (6-4, 195) is focal point of the offense. Nelson started every game as a sophomore, completing 87 of 152 passes for 850 yards and seven touchdowns.

Walker said Nelson has the natural skills to be the top quarterback in school history, high praise considering the Cardinals have produced standout signal-callers such as Ashton Nixon and Max Flinn.

“Adrian is a once-in-a-coaching-career quarterback,” Walker said. “He’s a phenomenal athlete who is a threat in the open field. He’s intelligent and has a terrific personality. I think the world of him.”

Senior Scottie Ard (6-1, 190), a star on the Bellaire basketball team, is an intriguing prospect. Ard, a starting cornerback, might be used as an option quarterback or at wide receiver.

“Scottie’s one of the top cover guys in our district,” Walker said, “but we plan to use him more on offense.”

Bellaire’s offensive line is anchored by senior John Dean (6-2, 220) at center. Dean started every game last season. The rest of the line is mostly new, with senior Devin Lewis (6-3, 230) at left tackle, junior Anthony Landry (6-4, 255) at left guard, senior Robert Santos (6-1, 255) at right guard and junior Phillip Dart (6-1, 220) at right tackle. Senior Jemar Graves (6-5, 330) also could figure into the equation.

“We’ve got some new guys on the line,” Walker said, “but I think we’ll be strong there.”

Bellaire is loaded on the defensive line, led by junior Joe Okafor (6-5, 250), a blue-chipper at defensive tackle.

“Joe is a beast,” Walker said. “He’s 250 pounds and runs a 4.7 (seconds in the 40-yard dash). He’s an Adonis.”

The rest of the line features junior Juan Rodriguez (5-11, 260) at nose guard and senior Josh Molock (6-1, 240) at the other end.

Senior Will Trumble (6-1, 220) is a three-year starter, although he is shifting from outside to inside linebacker. Trumble, a team captain, anchors a veteran linebacking corps.

“Will is the type of kid who could play at Notre Dame,” Walker said. “He has a 2100 on the SAT. He’s a great leader. On the field, he’s just brutal.”